Cultures of Mountain Biking Seminar Series - November 2025

Join us for the next Cultures of Mountain Biking seminar, where we explore how mountain biking intersects with place, identity, and socio-political change.

In this session, we feature two compelling talks. First, a comparative analysis of e-mountain bike (e-MTB) use in the UK and USA examines how technology, trail access, and cycling culture shape distinct national attitudes toward e-MTBs. What does "cheating" mean in one context but "liberation" in another? This presentation digs into the tensions and opportunities emerging as e-bikes become more prominent on the trails.

Second, we turn to the "black triangle" of Eastern Europe—a post-industrial region marked by environmental degradation and economic decline. Here, mountain biking is emerging as a tool for adaptation, offering residents not just physical activity, but new forms of social connection, tourism, and local pride.

1. Mark Keck-Szaibel, European University, Viadrina, Germany.

Mountain biking in the 'black triangle' (A border region between Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic).

1. Kostas Stavrianakis, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland.

A comparative study on perceptions of e-mtb's in the UK and the US.

Abstract

The increased popularity of electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) has introduced new dynamics to mountain biking, causing both enthusiasm and concerns in the outdoor recreation realm. In this exploratory study, we disseminated an online survey to compare perceptions and experiences of eMTB use among mountain bikers in the United States and Scotland, where mature mountain biking scenes exist but the adoption of eMTBs is evolving differently. Findings from this exploratory study indicate that while eMTBs are largely seen as an extension to traditional mountain biking, concerns are evident over their potential environmental impacts, trail damage, crowding, and conflicts with other trail users. U.S. respondents displayed more polarized views compared to their Scottish counterparts, where attitudes were generally more inclusive, potentially due to different access laws. Despite some concerns, many participants in both countries recognize the benefits of eMTBs, such as extending participation for older riders and lowering barriers to entry.

Bio

Dr. Ryan Zwart is an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the United States, in the Department of Health and Human Performance, specializing in Sport, Outdoor Recreation, and Tourism Management. His research explores leisure motivations, the health benefits of experiences in the natural environment, and the socio-cultural and economic impacts of outdoor and adventure recreation and tourism. Dr. Zwart has extensive teaching experience in outdoor recreation, tourism programming, and leadership, actively mentoring students on research and experiential learning projects with real-world application. When not teaching, instructing, or writing, he is most likely riding some form of bicycle.

Kostas is an Environmental Social scientist with an interdisciplinary academic background Through his research he aims to further understand how our social contexts influence our environmental behaviours and beliefs around climate change. His current research focuses on public acceptance of decarbonisation technologies, and more specifically Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage technologies. His current research is funded by the European Union through the Horizon2020 Research and Innovation programme. Kostas has experience working with both qualitative and quantitative methods, and his research is often informed by theories stemming from social psychology. He is a big advocate of parks and green spaces for their role in peoples' wellbeing and environmental behaviours. In the past he has conducted research on leisure, environmental behaviours and local parks. He also sits on the board of the World Parks Academy.